WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, today called on acting-IRS commissioner Steven Miller to immediately fire Lois Lerner, the senior IRS official who oversaw the intentional targeting of individuals because of their politics and criticism of the government.

“Heads need to roll today,” said Buchanan, Florida’s only member of the Ways & Means Committee which oversees the IRS. “Ms. Lois Lerner knew about this gross abuse of power as early as 2011 but continues to plead ignorance to this day. We don’t want apologies we want answers and accountability -- and we can start by firing the person responsible for this gross abuse of power.”

On Friday, Lerner told reporters that she first learned of the IRS targeting of political groups from media reports. However, a draft report by the Treasury inspector general for tax administration confirms that Ms. Lerner was made aware that such political targeting had occurred on June 29, 2011. Ms. Lerner also tried to pin the blame on low-level workers. The Inspector General’s report confirms that senior IRS officials in Washington were made aware of the misconduct as early as August 2011.

“Our founding fathers would be rolling in their graves if they knew their government was targeting individuals based on their political beliefs and criticism of the government,” said Buchanan. “The American people need to know they can be critical of their government without fear of retribution.”

Buchanan issued a letter to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew on Monday demanding a full accounting from top to bottom of those responsible for the IRS’s gross abuse of power and what action is being taken to restore the public trust. The Ways & Means Committee will hold its first hearing on Friday to further investigate the matter.

3 comments:

At the end of WWII, a Japanese General (Yamashita), was hung by the Allies because he was deemed responsible for all the actions of all his men whether he authorized them or knew about them or not. Hmm...

Well... If it wasn't for all the political capital to be gained among TEA types, I can't help but wonder if Vern would care... On the other hand, Vern has also expressed support of the Fair Tax... So I must give him the benefit of my cynical doubt.Vern Buchanan, I hope you're sincere.

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Political Watch

Political Watch is keeping a closer eye on local and state government and on politics, from a Manatee County perspective. Marc R. Masferrer is metro/online editor for the Bradenton Herald. Follow him on Twitter @MRMasferrer or email:mmasferrer@bradenton.com